54 Songs About Heroes and Superheroes

The heroes in my life have never worn a cape. They don't have x-ray vision, fly invisible planes, or leap tall buildings in a single bound. They are ordinary people whose commitment, compassion and service to others serve as an exemplar of humanity at its finest.

My heroes have been

• the teachers who challenged and inspired me
• my parents who nurtured and sacrificed for me and
• strangers who offered a much needed helping hand in times of crisis.

Never underestimate the impact that your kindness has on another human being, even if they don't have presence of mind at the time to thank you.

If you have heroes in your life, then why not take the time to thank them? And while you're at it, celebrate them with a custom playlist. We've got a long list of pop, rock, and country hits to get you started.

The narrator in this 2015 hit reminds the woman he cares about that when she's feeling like a damsel in distress, all she needs to do is summon him for help. He wants to lift her spirits and set her free:

I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one call away.

This is a romantic, soul-wrenching 2001 song that asks just how far you would go for your beloved. The protagonist then promises

I can be your hero baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away.

The song was released just eight days before the 9/11 attacks and became one of the few songs chosen to be remixed with commentary from politicians as well as audio from firefighters, police, and civilians at Ground Zero.

In this supercharged, uptempo hit from 1984, the narrator fantasizes that a superhero will come along instead of the regular men she meets. However, she has a number of requirements: "He's gotta be strong, he's gotta be fast, and he's gotta be fresh from the fight." Wanting someone larger than life to sweep her off her feet, she refuses to settle for just any man.

You may feel broken and tentative. You may have lost hope. But if you dig deep, you will discover that a hero lies deep within.

So says this encouraging 1993 hit, beautifully sung by diva Mariah Carey. Even if no one else reaches out to lift you up, you have the strength within to fly solo. So step up to your challenges and realize what you're worth!

This 1977 song became a signature song for David Bowie, and it alludes to two lovers embracing by the Berlin Wall, one from East Berlin and one from West Berlin. Although the couple is being separated by a force they cannot control, they yearn to be free, together.

According to this 1990 country hit, there are only two things that last a lifetime: heroes and friends. Heroes teach us to find the good in ourselves while friends stay loyal and offer us support.

The message behind this 2001 song is that heroes are not indestructible. Superman is this song's narrator, and he describes a dislike of flying and the desire to dream. He also refers to his cape as "silly." Sounds like a superhero identity complex to me.

Mothers who rock their crying babies and fathers who work hard for their families are just two examples of ordinary heroes. According to this 1991 song, heroes don't always wear uniforms or make the news headlines:

'Cause you know heroes come in every shape and size
Making special sacrifices for others in her lives
No one gives them medals, the world don't know their names
But in someone's eyes, they're heroes just the same.

This is an inspiring 2014 song that motivates us to consider the heroic potential that exists within each of us "with love and a little light." Anyone has the power if they understand the greatness that is possible.

The woman in this 2013 song is waiting for her hero to come rescue her. However, she's been locked in her apartment for 100 days and so far he hasn't shown up. She keeps making excuses for him. While she waits, she must find her own source of strength.

This 1984 hit is about someone who promises that they would make the ultimate sacrifice for someone they love. Many people claim that the song is about Jesus, as there is a lyric that references "I'm your messiah, and you're the reason why." Despite being known for racy songs throughout his career, the singer was a conservative Christian.

According to this stirring 2014 song, superheroes are born of strife and struggle. They turn their pain into power:

'Cause he's stronger than you know
A heart of steel starts to grow.

This sentimental 2005 country song reminds us that heroes come in all kinds of packages. Mothers are often overlooked for their heroic commitment to their children.

They bandage skinned knees, read bedtime stories, and shuttle kids from one activity to the next. They encourage and uplift, giving us the strength to fly on our own. And then, hopefully, we return their care and commitment when they need it.

The powerful vocals in this 1985 song advocate love, compassion and making a united contribution for a better world tomorrow. The Grammy-nominated song was featured in the movie, "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome."

This 1990 hit was originally recorded by the Jackson 5, but Mariah Carey soars in her performance of it. The song refers to a pact to be mutually accountable to one another, with the narrator promising that all her friend has to do is call and she'll be there. She will protect, comfort and build up her friend in a blanket of love. If that's not a hero, then what is?

According to this 2006 song, even heroes can feel self-doubt. Sung from the perspective of an ordinary superhero just trying to save the world, he's feeling the pressure of his role. He explains that it's difficult when everyone looks up to you. This superhero is just trying to save the world, so just leave him alone and let him just do his thing. No pressure, right?

The media often highlights athletes, business tycoons, and Hollywood creatives as heroes, but this 1998 alternative rock song pays homage to the heroes among us. They're the nurses, EMTs, firefighters, teachers, parents, and community volunteers. It's a thoughtful tribute to all of the heroes in our lives who don't make headlines but make our lives better.

The superhero in this 1999 song sees himself as "just your average ordinary everyday superhero trying to save the world ... nothing more than that, that's all I really am." Even though he has superpowers and wears spandex, he's just like everyone else in that he just wants to be accepted.

For everyone who enjoys the limelight, there are the unsung heroes who supported their path to fame and fortune. This1988 song pays homage to the heroes in our lives who stay in the shadows, content to allow us to bask in the glory and let us shine. Consider this song the ultimate "thank you" to the unsung heroes who fueled your dreams — teachers, parents, mentors, spouses, and dear friends.

In this 2015 song, the narrator invites his partner to spend an eternity with him; the time that they share is their eternity.

He tells her that he'll always look out for her and will pull her back onto the right path if he sees her drifting. Everyone seeks immortality, and even if you don't achieve it, it's a laudable goal worth fighting for.